Two public footpaths near Kenilworth are set to be diverted as part of the HS2 works in the area.

Warwick District Council has signed off on designs for a new underpass at Crackley, which will allow for construction vehicles and a public trail to pass under the new rail line.

Plans show two Public Rights of Way, footpaths W167 andW168 will be diverted as part of the project.

W168 - which runs between Broadwells Wood and the Kenilworth Greenway - will now be diverted through the underpass, then carry on north to meet the existing part of W168 and footpath W68a towards the north east of the site.

The existing W167 located to the east of the site will be partially stopped up and realigned east to west on both sides of the HS2 line. 

The realigned sections of footpath W167 will meet footpath W168 where it is realigned.

The location of the diverted paths (image via planning application)

The HS2 act decreed the diversions would happen at some point, with the council only able to comment on certain elements of the design.

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"The underpass structure will comprise a cast in situ monolithic reinforced concrete box structure with adjoining wingwalls that will splay outwards at the northern and southern entrances," the application said. 

"The underpass structure will be used by HS2 maintenance vehicles, farm vehicles and for pedestrian access through the realigned footpath W168."

Works are expected to be completed in early 2025.

There will be planting to "visually screen parts of the site and integrate the proposed underpass structure into the surrounding landscape".

The rights of way have already had periods of closures and minor diversions as HS2 works around Burton Green and Kenilworth ramped up.

See the full plans here.

(Header image by Stephen McKay via geograph.org)

Works are expected to be completed in early 2025 (image via planning application)

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